Win the RV ... and a truck?!?!?

A SlingShot trailer will be given away at the California State Fair on July 27. Once the winner has been chosen from the ten finalists vying for the RV, they will then have a chance to win the second half of the grand prize ... a truck! The winner will choose one key from a board of 100 keys. If that key starts the pickup ... they win the truck as well!

Our question is -- what type of pickup should we get? Cast your vote! Should it be Ford, Chevy ... or? Tell us your favorite kind of truck! VOTE NOW!

2011 Slingshot – Model GT21FD Shoot down the road with ease and style in the CrossRoads SlingShot. It's our lightest weight travel trailer that can be towed by a van, small SUV, or light duty truck. While extremely light in weight, it abounds in comfort and convenience. Everything is there from roomy living areas to complete fully functional kitchens and relaxing bedrooms - all with built-in features and amenities you expect from CrossRoads. The RV is being supplied by Happy Daze. Value: $28,797

Going GREEN - Tips for RVers

Reduce your use of plastic bags
According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually - an estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags!  If that’s not reason enough to stop using them, limited storage in your RV means that unused plastic bags and even paper bags take up much-needed space.  One solution is to keep a couple of reusable tote bags stashed in your RV which can conveniently be used for your shopping trips into town.  If you happen to forget and bring home unwanted plastic bags, offer to donate this to the park’s dog walk area – Fido will thank you!
Information provided by Meaghan Bertram of Vineyard RV Park.

Third "Scratch & Win an RV" Finalist Chosen

Finalist Sally Shepherd and granddaughter Keely enjoying camping!

Sally Shepherd (Lodi, CA) was chosen as the March Finalist to win an RV at the California State Fair in July.

Sally says, "I have been married for 36 years to my husband, Jim.  We have 2 children and 2 grandchildren.  We have camped all our married life, starting in a tent, then a tent trailer, followed by a 22' fifth wheel and finally in our current 29' fifth wheel. Our absolute favorite place to camp is Lake Tahoe - we have many wonderful family memories there.   Our children and grandchildren share the love of camping and go with us frequently. We also enjoy camping at Plymouth and Bodega Bay."

"We stayed at Marina Dunes RV Park in February and I inquired about the scratch off card that I had read about in the California Campin' e-mail newsletter.  The office clerk said that  she currently didn't have any and that she was expecting more later.  I read that I could mail for a card so that is what I did -- and now I'm a finalist!"
    
You too can be a finalist! Find out more>

Seeking businesses for Scratcher distribution

Businesses around California can participate in the RVing REWARDS! program by handing out scratchers to their patrons. This is a great PR tool for them ... wouldn't you be more likely to visit them again if you could get an entry for a FREE RV, or other prizes like free camping?

We need help in finding worthy businesses to contact. You know the small businesses that would benefit from additional promotion to folks who travel the state, and/or live nearby.
Recommend a business>

California's agricultural bounty flows from the Central Valley, one of the most productive farming areas in the world. This rich region is fed by a network of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Come discover a harvest of culturally diverse communities, historic sites, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, plentiful wildlife, and agricultural products galore.

The Central valley is a large region the spans the heart of California. It includes Corning and Chico in the north, Sacramento lies in the center along with the California Delta area and its miles of waterways. It continues south past Fresno on down to Bakersfield in the south -- this portion of the Valley is especially beautiful at this time of year as acres of fruit trees are in bloom.

Stay at any of our RV parks and campgrounds and you'll be near all the fun! Learn more>

Workkamper Position Open!

Want to spend the summer in the San Diego area? A beautiful RV park in Chula Vista is looking for workkampers to work from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. This is your chance to spend the summer in sunny San Diego! Call Andrea at Chula Vista RV Park immediately.

Mom needs a break ... GO CAMPING!

What does mom love most? Quality time with her family .... especially when it includes a box of chocolates! How about going camping May 8 & 9 and dad & the kids cook and do the dishes? She won't know how to handle all her free time. Make plans now to take mom on a getaway with her favorite people!

If you get too many options, you can return to the search page and narrow your search by selecting a region where you'd like to camp ... and maybe amenity options ... and click Search!

Choose a park and click on the reserve button ... it's that easy to research. Then pack up and go ... your "Give Mom a Break" Adventure awaits!

DMV Now Iphone Friendly!

Free download for iPhone and iPod touch users!

It’s finally here! The California Department of Motor Vehicles recently announced “DMV Now,” an iPhone application that is now available to all customers who have an Apple iPhone or an iPod touch. The free application will allow users to instantly find the nearest field office based on the GPS feature, information about the wait time at the field office, take sample written driving tests, access a library of DMV instructional videos and receive important DMV alerts. Read more>

"Where in California" is this?

There were a number of correct entries for last month's photo contest. Let's congratulate Doug & Gail Donnelly of Santa Barbara, CA on a job well done! See the photos they identified>

Doug is an attorney specializing in adoption law, and Gail is a registered nurse.  They have two adult daughters.  They love the beach and the mountains.  Doug is an avid scuba diver, and enjoys photography, reading, and playing bluegrass banjo.  Gail loves to cook and entertain friends.  Both are active in their church and in the community.  For vacations, they especially love Yosemite, the redwoods and the beaches . They have rented RVs several times, but do not presently own one, and are hoping to change that in the near future.

They selected Mission Bay RV Park in San Diego as their choice for their FREE Camping Weekend. Congratulations again Doug & Gail!

Here is the latest group of photos for you to identify. Have fun ... you too can win a free camping weekend! Email Camper Rick with your guesses by May 10! Contest Rules>

Picture 1: Stay at this park to access San Diego attractions. Click to view larger>>	Picture 2: This course is located in the Warner Mountains of California. Click to view larger>>	Tiebreaker Picture: In 1937, the US Fish & Wildlife Service began the process of creating this place in Northern California. Click to view larger>>

Answers to March's "Where in California"

Picture 1: This ballroom has been the focal point of this community's  entertainment and culture since it opened over eighty years ago on May 29, 1929. Answer: Catalina Island Casino (not really a casino, as we know them) Click to view larger>> Stay at nearby parks>>	Picture 2: This heavily visited location was named in 1542 by Portuguese navigator Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, who explored the Pacific Coast for Spain. Answer: Morro Bay Rock; Morro Bay, CA Click to view larger>> Stay at nearby parks>>	Tiebreaker Picture: Prominent architect Philip Johnson designed the main sanctuary building of this large protestant church, which was constructed using over 10,000 rectangular panes of glass. Answer: Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA Click to view larger>> Stay at nearby parks>>

California Events and Fun Happenings!

Riley & Caleb Wiseman drive a tractor at the Iris Festival in Loomis, CA while grandma & grandpa choose from hundreds of varieties of Iris!

Spring has arrived and summer is around the corner!!! There are many festivals and events you won't want to miss in May!

• Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival - May 1. Numerous free events hosted by the Audubon Society in Weldon.
• Fiber on the Foot - May 1-2. Come see Alpacas and other fiber producing animals & their products in Red Bluff.
• California Redwoods Bird & Nature Festival - May 7-9. Exceptional birding, nature, and heritage events in Crescent City.
• Festival of the Winds - May 8-9. In Marina, kite flying, hang gliding and more. Free event.
• Legendary Boonville Beer Fest - May 8-9. One entry fee and you can sample a variety of beers.
• Mother's Day Brunch - May 9. Celebrate with Mom aboard the Sacramento River Train in Woodland.
• Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee - May 13-16. In Angels Camp, come celebrate an old-fashioned fair.
• Zinfest - May 14-16. In Lodi, experience hometown hospitality with local vintners and growers.
• Oakdale Chocolate Festival - May 15-16. Music, entertainment, food and chocolate!
• Vintage Trailer Rally - May 13-16. In Pismo Beach, one of the largest showings of vintage RVs.
• Carmel Art Festival - May 14-16. This will inspire you about the visual arts!
• Annual Wine Festival - May 21-23. In Paso Robles, wine enthusiasts will find everything their palate desires.
• Doheny Blues Festival - May 22-23. 26 acts on 3 stages - Blues, Rock & Soul music in Dana Point.
• Sacramento Jazz Festival & Jubilee - May 28-31. More than 450 sets of live music!
• Santa Cruz Blues Festival - May 29-30. Top names in blues and roots music for two days.
• Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi-Gras - May 29-30. Wine, mushrooms, good food & fun!
• Kinetic Grand Championship - May 29-31. People-powered contraptions participate in a 3-day race along California's north coast near Eureka.
• Country Music Festival - May 31. Come enjoy REAL country music in Fresno!

There so much more!!! Search the Calendar of Events for your favorite!